What motivated you to start your business and what is your vision for the future of the company?

My journey to entrepreneurship began with a deep awareness of the world around me from a young age. As a young teen, I lost an aunty to cancer sparked an interest in exploring for health and nutrition. Only a couple of years later, my mom's mental health struggles led me to explore holistic wellness and mental health practices. Back then, I couldn't have known these seemingly informal interests would converge. When I tried squeezing myself into an architecture career, it was clear it wasn't meeting my core needs. So what were these needs? They were not dimly lit computer labs where I would sit silently and stationary at a desk all day. They were nature, community, circadian rhythms, nutritious food and movement. So I took a leap and pursued the things that truly resonated. I learned to guide and began working in outdoor education - but outdoor education lacked the depth of health knowledge and philosophy I wanted. While I loved guiding trips, I craved a deeper connection between nature, movement, and overall well-being. That's when I delved into yoga and Ayurvedic medicine, acquiring qualifications as a Ayurvedic Practitioner and Advanced Yoga Teacher. With these unique qualifications, I searched a space where these practices could be woven together. But there wasn't anything out there – no Adventure Wellness Industry. So I created it.We are at the forefront of bridging the gap between adventure tourism, wellness, and community, offering transformative experiences that reconnect people with nature and themselves. Over the past 10 years, I've poured my heart and soul into building Wild Vedas, navigating complex permitting processes and establishing a framework for this entirely new industry. We've seen a steady increase in our client base over the last 3 years (email list of over 500 people and social media following over 1000) and are expanding our program offerings with new guided adventures and retreats. My vision for the future is ambitious: to solidify Wild Vedas as an industry leader in Adventure Wellness Tourism and Health. Our head location in Whistler is primed for future growth in this space, particularly as Tourism Whistler and the RMOW have built in Wellness to their strategic plan over the next 3 years. Wild Vedas aim to reach 1000 participants in the next 5 years, expanding access to low income and diverse groups through scholarship programs and community access funds. Our future plans include a dedicated outdoor centre, to host immersions and community events. Our commitment extends beyond profits, with initiatives like supporting Girl in the Wild and First Nations access programs. We're also dedicated to obtaining B Corp status and contributing to 1% for the Planet. Furthermore, we're passionate about mentoring future leaders in the Adventure Wellness Tourism space. Additionally, we actively seek partnerships to establish best practices, raise awareness, and ensure the industry thrives while remaining true to its core values.

Why do you deserve to win the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award?

Being nominated for the Best Youth Entrepreneur Award is incredibly humbling. I'm proud of the resilience and dedication it's taken to pioneer the Adventure Wellness Tourism space. The Best Youth Entrepreneur Award, as I understand it, recognises young individuals who demonstrate innovative spirit and social impact. I really believe I fit this description, and hope that my social impact can grow and grow. I have been innovating in developing a very low cost business model - with no overhead for rent or space, only our licensing, insurance and marketing requirements. This is an innovative solution to a huge challenge in the Whistler area. I am committed to the accessibility of the outdoors and to health education for the benefit of people and communities, and ultimately the natural environment that we connect with and in. There have definitely been personal social and financial sacrifices along the way, but I am so stoked seeing Wild Vedas flourish and the industry take root. Being chosen for this award would be a personal honour as well as acknowledging the power of Adventure Wellness Tourism in helping communities. I am hopeful it would further inspire the growth of this industry, which can only lead to good as more power and energy is directed to personal, social and environmental wellbeing.